Gary Caldwell believes Sylvan Ebanks-Blake could emerge from the Chesterfield wilderness and be a ‘huge’ player for the relegation threatened club.

Last night the former Wolves man made his first appearance in League One action for Town this season, having previously only featured in an EFL Trophy game before being sent to Shrewsbury on loan.

Ebanks-Blake’s application and desire to play was called into question by previous Spireites manager Danny Wilson.

Caldwell has said more than once it’s up to the 30-year-old to force his way into the side through hard work on the training pitch.

And having been handed a role as a second half substitute last night, Ebanks-Blake impressed his boss.

Caldwell said: “His introduction to the game, the three up front definitely put them under more pressure.

“His hold up play, his physicality and strength was excellent.

“I’ve always said he’s a player of great quality and it’s up to him if he plays or not.

“I was delighted for him and the way he played.

“We obviously got back into the game largely down to him coming on and changing how the game was going.”

Ebanks-Blake pedigree can’t be questioned, having scored 100 goals in his professional career.

His spell with Chesterfield hasn’t worked out quite how many expected it to however, having hit the net just 10 times in 37 games last season and not featuring at all in league action this season – until last night.

Caldwell insists he could yet play a big part in keeping Chesterfield in the division.

“He’s a huge player, he’s played a very high level early on in his career.

“I saw him in the early part of last season when I was out watching games, he was a real handful, scoring goals.

“When he puts himself about like that there’s not a lot of centre forwards in this league better than him.

“He’s worked hard the first few weeks I’ve been here to get himself up to that level.

“He has to continue to work hard and he could be a huge player for us from now until the end of the season.”